• IMPORTANT NOTE - the program and kits are intended to be used only for employees of a business, NOT for patrons to show proof of vaccination when entering a business venue.

     

    In conjunction with vaccinations, businesses can stop the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing rapid testing for employees. In partnership with the Alberta Chambers and the provincial government, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is offering complimentary COVID-19 rapid tests to eligible businesses. By testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they happen while keeping both customers and staff safe. There is no cost to these tests and any business or non- profit can request tests.

  • Below are the most frequently asked questions about the program:

    WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TESTING KITS FROM THE CHAMBER?

    • Testing kits are available to incorporated businesses and non-profits.

    • Organizations do not require a Chamber membership to be eligible.

    HOW DO AIRDRIE ORGANIZATIONS OBTAIN RAPID TESTING KITS?

    • Organizations need to do the following to obtain rapid testing kits: 
      1. Complete and submit the online       form.  A member of the Chamber’s team will contact organizations within 72 hours with further information to complete the application process.
      2. Once the Chamber has test kits available, a member of the Chamber’s team will contact organizations to schedule a pick-up time. 
      3. Once a pick-up time is scheduled, kits can be picked up from the Chamber office at #102, 150 Edwards Way NW, Airdrie, Alberta. 
      4. Participating organizations must report weekly each Monday using the       form provided by the Chamber to admin@airdriechamber.ab.ca.

    HOW DO I SUBMIT WEEKLY REPORTING?

    • Participating organizations must report results of the tests, every Monday to the Chamber using the form provided to admin@airdriechamber.ab.ca. Failure to do so will prevent organizations from accessing further testing kits.

    • Contact admin@airdriechamber.ab.ca if you require a form.

    IS THERE A COST FOR TESTING KITS?

    • No. There is no cost to eligible organizations for testing kits.

    WHO SHOULD THE TESTS BE ADMINISTERED TO?  

    • The Rapid Testing Program provides access to rapid test kits for organizations with employees that frequently enter the workplace. 

    • Tests should not be administered to symptomatic individuals, as they should be directed to obtain a PCR test through AHS. 

    • Individuals who have been vaccinated may receive a screening test. 

    WHO SHOULD THE TESTS BE ADMINISTERED BY?  

    • A medical professional is not required to administer rapid tests. Simply watch the instructional video and follow instructions included with the testing kits.  

    HOW OFTEN SHOULD TESTS BE ADMINISTERED? 

    • Organizations must conduct screening tests either once or twice weekly, but no less frequently than once weekly. 

    • Tests may not be used on an as-needed or a one-time basis.  

    HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE RESULTS OF THE TEST?

    • Test results take 15-20 minutes to process. Business should also account for the time taken to administer the test.

    WHAT WILL BE IN MY TEST KIT? 

    • The test kits include Abbott Panbio nasal swabs. 

    • Test kits include 25 tests – we cannot send partial kits. 

    IF I ADMINISTER RAPID TESTS REGULARLY, CAN I REDUCE OTHER SAFETY MEASURES? 

    • Testing does not supplement or replace public heath measures such as symptom monitoring, physical distancing, masking, hand hygiene, and isolating when symptomatic or a close contact to a confirmed case. 

    • Please continue to follow all public health guidelines as communicate by Alberta Health Services.  

    HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR? 

    • The program will run until it is no longer needed, and will conclude no later than December 31, 2021.  

    WHAT DO I DO WITH UNUSED TESTS? 

    • Organization must return all unused kits to the Chamber by January 7, 2022. Please contact admin@airdriechamber.ab.ca to arrange return of unused tests.  

    IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY KITS I CAN ORDER AT ONCE? 

    • We request each organization order a month’s supply at a time.  

    • To estimate the number of tests you will need, take your number of employees, multiply by number of times you want to administer tests each week (recommended is twice weekly), multiply by four weeks.  

    • For example, if you have 10 employees, and will administer tests to each person 2 times per week, multiply by 4 weeks per month (10 x 2 x 4). Your approximate monthly supply would be 80 tests. Since test kits come in packs of 25, you can order 4 kits.  

    WILL THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA OR THE AIRDRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFER A SIMILAR PROGRAM FOR VACCINATIONS? 

    • There will not be a similar program for vaccines as vaccines require a medical professional to administer. 

    THE CHAMBER WAS OUT OF TESTING KITS. HOW LONG BEFORE I RECEIVE MY ORDER? 

    • We understand re-order with the Government of Alberta takes 3 – 4 business days. Someone from the Chamber will contact you to arrange pick-up as soon as a new supply of testing kits is available.  

    WHAT IF THE BUSINESS REQUIRES A MODIFICATION TO THE AGREEMENT? 

    • If the business requires a change to the agreement, they should contact the Government of Alberta directly by emailing rapidtesting@gov.ab.ca.